SPECULATE Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'speculate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of speculate are cogitate , deliberate , reason , reflect , and think . While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic. // speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

Q: When can 'cogitate' be used instead of 'speculate'?

In some situations, the words cogitate and speculate are roughly equivalent. However, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking. // cogitated on the mysteries of nature

Q: When would 'deliberate' be a good substitute for 'speculate'?

The synonyms deliberate and speculate are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision. // the jury deliberated for five hours

Q: Where would 'reason' be a reasonable alternative to 'speculate'?

Although the words reason and speculate have much in common, reason stresses consecutive logical thinking. // able to reason brilliantly in debate

Q: When might 'reflect' be a better fit than 'speculate'?

While the synonyms reflect and speculate are close in meaning, reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind. // reflecting on fifty years of married life

Q: In what contexts can 'think' take the place of 'speculate'?

The meanings of think and speculate largely overlap; however, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions. // teaches students how to think

speculate

verb

ˈspe-kyə-ˌlāt

Definition of speculate next

as in to guess

to form an opinion from little or no evidence I speculate that someone has been using this cabin as a trysting place

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How is the word speculate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of speculate are cogitate, deliberate, reason, reflect, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

When can cogitate be used instead of speculate?

In some situations, the words cogitate and speculate are roughly equivalent. However, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

When would deliberate be a good substitute for speculate?

The synonyms deliberate and speculate are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

Where would reason be a reasonable alternative to speculate?

Although the words reason and speculate have much in common, reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When might reflect be a better fit than speculate?

While the synonyms reflect and speculate are close in meaning, reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

In what contexts can think take the place of speculate?

The meanings of think and speculate largely overlap; however, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of speculate In the aftermath, Brown ripped Fox for the mistake postgame and the organization decided to fire Brown the following afternoon, never explaining the decision publicly, which turned the spotlight onto Fox as many speculated about his involvement. —

Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025 Fans instantly began speculating about the news that was to follow. —

Caché McClay, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025 Fans have speculated – even before the Chiefs reigned victorious – Swift might be involved. —

Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025 Though Swift skipped all of Travis Kelce's away games this season due to scheduling conflicts and alleged security concerns, some speculated that there was more to her absense in Buffalo, New York. —

Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for speculate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for speculate

Verb

No one guessed Margie's whereabouts over the weekend.

— Martin Vassolo, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
There’s a strong chance his initial game back comes next Wednesday against — guess who — the Lakers. Should make for an interesting storyline in the shadows of Hollywood.

— Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2025